Texture book Activity
Babies and toddlers learn through their senses and texture books are an experiential learning opportunity. Reading opportunities that engage the senses support language development, increase vocabulary, encourage turn-taking and strengthen relationships.
Why do it?
- At this age, baby is interested in details such as texture, and can explore a fabric ‘texture book’ safely.
- A book made of different fabrics is easy to make.
- Whānau can also use the texture book in the Exploring textures play idea.
How to do it
- Cut between 6 and 8 fabric pieces, about 15 cm square. Use a range of fabric types such as satin, wool, fake fur, lace and so on.
- Sew or staple them together firmly, to make a book.
- If you use staples, cover the backs of the staples so there are no sharp points that could poke baby (for example, use strong tape that baby can’t pull off).
- If you’re keen to get more creative things can be added by securely sewing different coloured or shaped patches or buttons to the pages.
- Be sure to sew carefully and strongly so there’s no danger of baby pulling or chewing anything off the material that could be a choking hazard (like a button).
Using more te reo Māori
| Te reo Māori | English |
|---|---|
| Pukapuka | Book |
| Aro | Notice, pay attention to |
| Papanga | Material, fabric |
| Tapanga | Naming, label |
| Whakahahakitia | Point out, draw attention to |
| Tairongo | Sense |
| Rongo whakapā | Sense of touch |
| Kakano | Texture |
| Newanewa | Soft to touch |
| Mākohakoha | Smooth |
| Perehunga | Fluffy |
| Pāhura | Hairy |
| Mātoretore | Rough |
| Māngūngungu | Be gritty |
| Huruhuru | Fur, feather |
| Wūru | Wool |
| Hiraka | Silky |
| Pīataata | Shiny, bright |
| Poka | Poke |
| Ngā āhuahanga | Shapes |
| Porowhita | Circle |
| Tapawhā | Rectangle |
| Porotītaha | Oval |
| Tapatoru | Triangle |
| Tui(a) | To sew |
| Ngā pātene | Buttons |
| Kia tūpato | Be careful |
| Rāoa | To choke, be choking |
| He aha tēnei? | What is this? |
| He mākohakoha tēnei rauemi | This material is smooth |
| Kei te rongo ahau tētahi mea newanewa | I can feel something soft |
| Homai tō ringaringa | Give me your hands |
| Me pēhea te pā? | How does it feel? |
